WHEN United signed Millar from Falkirk he was expected to play a big part at the Tannadice club, but a poor display pre-season put paid to that...now he's eager not to make the same mistake again.

MARK MILLAR cost himself a place in the Dundee United side after a summer of excess left him out of shape and unfit.

But after being bombed out by boss Peter Houston the Arabs midfielder insists he won’t make the same mistake again when a new gaffer arrives at Tannadice.

The former Celtic and Falkirk starlet was snapped up by Houston in July but let himself down by failing to impress in pre-season. Millar admits he was ill-prepared for life at an SPL club and that’s why he didn’t make his United debut until late September.

Having forced his way in – just as Houston announced he’ll be quitting at the end of the campaign – the 24-year-old is eager to impress the new boss.

Millar has started the last three games but still regrets letting himself go last summer.

As he prepared for today’s visit of Ross County, which is struggling to beat the weather, Millar said: “I struggled at first here but I’ll be in a far better position going into next term.

“I’ll be ready. Pre-season is always hard but the fitness side of it was tough for me last year. I had let myself go.

“It’s not like me. I’ve always been fit. Pre-season under Steven Pressley at Falkirk was one of the toughest I’ve had.

“I’ve learnt from it and I definitely won’t make the same mistake again.

“I should have been playing for United at the start of the season but the boss knew I was unfit. That’s why I wasn’t in the team and I only have myself to blame.

“It’s certainly good to be playing again. I’ve got to try and seize my chance.

“The gaffer spoke to all the players and told us he was leaving.

“But it won’t affect the players. We’ll just go about our business as normal and our target is to finish in the top half of the SPL.

“We don’t know who the new manager will be - so we have to keep performing and impress any new gaffer coming in.

United could move into the top six with a win over County who have freshened up their squad in the window.

Miller added: “County have brought in a few players but we have one of the best squads in the league and don’t need to bring anyone in.”